Aug 5, 2022 - Politics

Activists-turned-candidates win Tennessee legislative races

Nate Rau

Charlane Oliver poses for a portrait. — Charlane Oliver. Photo: courtesy of the Oliver campaign

Two candidates who rose through the ranks as social justice activists won their legislative primaries, ushering in a new wave of progressive leadership for Nashville.

State of play: Charlane Oliver won the District 19 Democratic primary to replace retiring Sen. Brenda Gilmore. Oliver defeated former Metro Councilmembers Jerry Maynard and Ludye Wallace.

Justin Jones also won a close race for the District 52 House seat. He defeated current Councilmember Delishia Porterfield in the race to replace Rep. Mike Stewart.

Between the lines: Oliver and Jones have emerged as two of the city's most consequential progressive activists.

Among other causes, Oliver pushed to expand voting rights.
Jones has protested systemic racism and police brutality.

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Activists-turned-candidates win Tennessee legislative races

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